Information Needs in Developing Countries: How Are They Being Served by Public Access Venues?

2010 | Americas Conference on Information Systems | Citations: 0

Authors: Gould, Elizabeth A

Abstract: This paper analyzes challenges to meet information needs of underserved communit ... Expand

Abstract: This paper analyzes challenges to meet information needs of underserved communities through public access to ICT in 25 developing countries. Information needs are analyzed from the perspective of the users and of the operators of public access venues such as libraries, telecentres and cybercafés. We discuss the importance of locally relevant content, available in local languages, and the need to help strengthen information literacy among users and operators of public access venues, including digital literacy. Libraries, telecentres and cybercafés in the countries studied were found to be meeting local users needs in different ways in each case. Effectively meeting users’ information needs is critical if public access to ICT is to contribute to human development, especially in libraries and telecentres, which generally have a social development mission (as opposed to profit-driven cybercafés). Collapse

Topics: information system use user requirement internet technology data accuracy digital literacy

Methods: archival research literature study cross sectional research qualitative interview

The Algerian agricultural information and documentation system: how does it support national research and training?

2001 | International Journal of Information Management | Citations: 0

Authors: Issolah, R.; Giovannetti, J.-F.

Abstract: Some ten years ago, because student enrolment was climbing rapidly, Algeria crea ... Expand

Abstract: Some ten years ago, because student enrolment was climbing rapidly, Algeria created over twenty training and research facilities devoted to agricultural sciences in the broad sense of the term. Conditions for accessing information in these establishments, which operate in a context marked by serious financial restrictions, are analysed from both a national and an international vantage point. Shortcomings in the current system make it vital for the information policy to develop new orientations primarily supported by the creation of a national network where information flows can be maintained thanks to the new technologies for information and communication (NTIC). r 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. Collapse

Methods: survey literature study cross sectional research